Kirill Marchenko leaves Blue Jackets future in doubt as three trade destinations emerge

Kirill Marchenko didn't have much to say this week, but what he didn't say spoke volumes.

As Columbus Blue Jackets training camp opened, the 26-year-old winger dodged every question about signing a contract extension, and it's becoming impossible to ignore what that means for his future in Ohio.

Marchenko is entering a pivotal stretch of his career.

He's a pending restricted free agent carrying a $3.8 million cap hit, and he doesn't have any trade protection built into his current deal.

That combination gives Columbus a decision to make sooner rather than later, especially with a resume like his.

Last season he put up 27 goals, 40 assists and 67 points across 76 games, numbers that would make him one of the more attractive names on the trade market if he does become available this season.

The Vancouver Canucks have shown real interest, and it makes sense on paper.

They're looking for a proven top-six scorer to build around, and Marchenko fits that mold nicely.

Don't expect a trade within the Eastern Conference though, since teams rarely want to hand a division rival that kind of talent for nothing.

Out west, the Los Angeles Kings have been hunting for scoring all summer and could use a player exactly like Marchenko in their top six.

Then there's the Seattle Kraken, who already made aggressive runs at names like Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson this offseason.

The Blue Jackets now have to weigh whether to move Marchenko now or ride it out until the March trade deadline.

Either way, it sounds like his time in Columbus is winding down, and the rest of the league already knows it.

Also read on House Of Hockey :
Matthew Tkachuk reportedly threatened Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic for surprising reason